iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The Manhattan chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-Manhattan) inducted its newly elected leadership team during an oath-taking ceremony held at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Manhattan on May 17, bringing together community members, dignitaries, GOPIO leaders, and supporters for an evening focused on unity, leadership, and community service.
The event marked a new chapter for GOPIO-Manhattan, which was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since worked to strengthen engagement within the Indian diaspora community in New York.
Prof. Rajasekhar Vangapaty officially took charge as President of GOPIO-Manhattan for the 2026–2027 term. He was joined by Executive Vice President Bhavya Gupta, Vice President Dr. Vimal Goyle, Secretary Raj Punjabi, Treasurer Braj Aggarwal, and Joint Secretary Gagan Gujral.
The newly inducted Board of Trustees includes Shivender Sofat, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Mukund Mehta, Siddarth Jain, Anil Narang, and Neha Motwani. The chapter also announced appointed Board Members Dr. Lisa George, Dr. Arnab Ghosh, Manoj Jareth Asig, and Jasvir Ubhi.
The ceremony was attended by senior GOPIO International leaders, including Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, President Prakash Shah, and General Secretary Siddarth Jain, who extended support and congratulations to the new team.
Prof. Vangapaty welcomed attendees and spoke about his vision for collaborative and inclusive leadership within the organization. Dr. Abraham, who chaired the Election Committee, addressed the gathering and highlighted GOPIO’s history, mission, and contributions toward connecting and empowering the global Indian diaspora.
Prakash Shah also spoke about upcoming GOPIO initiatives, including the GOPIO Convention planned in Mumbai, before administering the oath of office to the Executive Committee, Trustees, and Board Members.
New York Democratic Congressional primary candidate Vichal Kumar attended the event and spoke about the importance of greater civic participation and political engagement within the community.
After taking oath, Prof. Vangapaty thanked the Election Committee, which included Dr. Thomas Abraham, Shivender Sofat, and Mukund Mehta, for conducting what he described as a smooth election process. He also congratulated the newly elected members and reaffirmed his commitment to serving both GOPIO-Manhattan and the wider Indian American community.
Several prominent attendees also offered felicitations during the program, including GOPIO-Manhattan’s first and immediate past president Shivender Sofat, who joined by telephone, GOPIO Life Member Mrudul Pathak, and Vichal Kumar. They praised the organization’s continued focus on community service, cultural engagement, and leadership development.
The evening concluded with networking and fellowship over refreshments, tea, and coffee.
Prof. Vangapaty also thanked Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Executive Director Minesh Patel and the institution’s board for providing the venue and support for the ceremony.